What I've learned from Sofia*

About a year ago, Sofia started attending our church.  Sofia has a very troubled life.  Her husband is an alcoholic and drinks every bit of money he makes.  Sofia works hard at her job to keep the bills paid and food on the table.  She lives with her husband and three teenage children in a small, one-bedroom apartment.  She has been directly affected (in her immediate family) by teenage pregnancy, abortion, abuse, drunkenness, drugs, and suicide.

When Sofia first started coming to church, she was very unhappy.  She never smiled and would sit in her chair with her head down, and not talk to anyone.  She has spent many hours in Chris’s office with Chris and I sobbing about her life.  Several weeks after she had started coming to church, we began to notice a change in Sofia.  No longer would she enter church quietly and sit dejected and depressed in her chair, but she would smile upon being greeted and she would stay around to fellowship after the service.

 “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Now she enters church with a smile on her face and a spring in her step.  She greets everyone with a smile and enjoys singing the hymns during church.  Did her circumstances change?  NO!  However, Sofia has found the Joy of the LORD!  Sofia told us that she can’t believe the peace in her heart since she “met God’s Son.”  Her circumstances are still the same.  She still works hard cleaning to provide for her family.  Her husband still drinks.  Her daughter is still in an abusive relationship, etc… Her life is still heartbreaking.  She still has times where she is crying in Chris’s office, but instead of despair over her life, she is now praying for the rest of her family to find the Lord as she has.  No longer do we see a sad, dejected woman; instead we see a joyful, hopeful Christian!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…” (Galatians 5:22)

Sofia has been a lesson to me.  I can’t imagine living the life she lives, and yet the Joy of the Lord shines through her.  Despite her circumstances, she is Joyful.  Happiness is a reflection of your circumstances, while Joy is a reflection of your heart.  How do we who have the Truth portray ourselves and our Savior to those around us?  When people look upon our countenance, what do they see?  Do they see an expression based on our circumstances, or do they see the Joy of the Lord?

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
(Romans 15:13)

*(not her real name)

Encouragement for the Discouraged Missionary Wife

We’ve all been there.  We’ve all had our bad days.  We’ve all had our moments of discouragement.  How do YOU handle discouragement?  Does it send you to your husband to moan and complain about “this hard life,” or does it send you to the arms of your Heavenly Father?  It has often been said that the Father is the Head of the Home, and the Mother is the Heart of the Home.  I’m sure we also can relate to “When Mama’s not happy, Nobody’s happy!"  As wives and mothers, our attitude sets the tone in the home.  If we’re depressed, discouraged and always sad, our husbands and children will suffer.  While there is nothing wrong with taking our burdens and cares to our husband, sometimes it’s best to leave them at the feet of Jesus so we can be the helpmeet our husband needs.  “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:7) 

There are times when it is a good idea to take a step back and take a look at our lives.  We are serving the Most High God.  The God who loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us.  The God who loves the people we are ministering to so much that He sent US to them!  When we get our eyes off the Lord and place them on ourselves it’s easy to hold a pity party and invite the family, but when we turn our eyes on Jesus the things that once bothered us so much before, now seem so trivial.  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, 
In the light of His glory and grace”   “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Life on the mission field is very different than our “home” land.  Sometimes those differences are hard to overcome and accept.  Many times things on the mission field are more difficult, tiresome, and so inconvenient compared to life as we once knew it.  The language is hard; the people are different, and the food is strange.   Yet, this new country that we are in is home to the people God has called us to - People that need to hear of His Gift of Salvation.  “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)  *This verse is a particular favorite of mine since we are serving the Lord at the very top of the world in Greenland.*

The best way to face discouragement is to get in The Word.  Go to your Heavenly Father and pour out your burdens to Him.  Spend time with the Lord Daily.  Talk to others who have been where you are.   Talk to your husband to see if there are things that can be changed to better help you help him. Reach out to those around you; take your eyes off yourself and your circumstances and really look at the lost souls surrounding you. There is nothing wrong with being discouraged; it’s how we handle it that can make or break us on the field!  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”. (I Corinthians 15:58)

The Importance of God’s Word in Our Homes - Guest Post

Today's post comes to us from  Anna (Sloan) Lopez

As wives and mothers, we have the power of building up our homes, or of tearing it down. How we struggle day by day to strive to build up our homes! God has given us a very powerful tool in building up our homes: His holy Word.


The Word of God is quick, and powerful…sharper than any two-edged sword…

The Word of God can discern the thoughts and the intents of the heart.

What a valuable tool! How much do we use this powerful tool that God has given to us?

In this day of wickedness and danger, sin abounds everywhere. However, we can raise up children for God and have a stable and happy home because we have God’s Word to purify and guide us.

As one of eight children who were raised on the mission field where the Word of God was a part of our daily lives, I can testify to the fact that the Bible has had a tremendously positive effect in my life. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalm 119:9

Every day, before breakfast, we all sat around the table with our Bibles and read a passage from the Word of God and memorized Scripture. At least once a day, the pure and precious Word of God was repeated by our lips for at least 15 minutes (solid Scripture memorization). I say this, not to glorify my parents, nor as a statement of pride, but to point out what a positive effect it had in the life of eight children who matured into adults who are now (by God’s grace and mercy) living their lives in service to Him.

I know that the following was true for our family, and has been true in my own personal life.


The Word of God Purifies. Psalm 19:7-10

Through the Word of God, we can have a pure, clean and sweet atmosphere in our homes.


The Word of God Protects. Psalm 119:11, 105

God’s Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. How God’s Word has brought protection from sin in my own life!


The Word of God Prospers. Psalm 1:1-3; Joshua 1:8
Psalm 1 says that the man who meditates day and night upon the Word of God will prosper. The promise in Joshua says that if we are obedient to God’s Word, our way will be prosperous, and we will have good success.


The Word of God Prevents. Prov. 2:16-20; Prov. 23:29-35

Dad and Mom helped us memorize literally hundreds of Bible verses. I know that in my own life, when I was tempted to sin and do evil, the Holy Spirit would bring to my memory passages that prevented me from doing certain things.


The Word of God brings Peace. Psalm 119:165

Many times the Precious Word of God has brought peace to my heart as I have struggled with different things.

The peace of God which passeth all understanding can rule in our hearts and in our homes today. Are you taking full advantage of God’s Word? Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….

Using the Word of God to build up our homes is a choice. What a shame it is if we only pick up God’s Word when we are headed out the door to go to church and never open it the rest of the week. Take advantage of this great treasure within your home. Begin today by reading, memorizing, and meditating upon God’s Holy Word. And then teach it to your children, that their lives may be blessed as well.

Fellowship Fridays

This week, I am directing you to Patty once again.  I encourage you to read her series on Raising her Girls to have a Heart for Missions.  It has been great, and I have enjoyed each and every post!

Fellowship Fridays

Today, I am sending you over to Patty.  She has been blogging a series on Raising Your Children to have a Heart for Missions.  Go on over and check it out.  There is lots of great stuff there!

Click here to read all about it!

Fellowship Fridays

This post was written by Rachel, missionary wife in Estonia.  I had the privilege of meeting her and her family last summer.  She is as sweet as she appears on her blog.  I am blessed to call her my friend.  Please visit Rachel over at her blog, Rachel's Reflections.  I know you'll enjoy it!

 Seasons

Spring has finally arrived!  Do you enjoy the changing of the seasons?  I sure do.  Well, except for winter changing to spring.  This is my very least favorite time of year in Estonia.  After a cold winter with lots of snow,  I long for sunshine, warmth, green grass, leaves on the trees, and birds singing.  But the in-between stage is just not a beautiful season.  The snow that once so beautifully covered the city gets dirty and melts away.  As the snow melts, it leaves the ground slushy and soggy.  Once the snow is gone, it reveals dead brown grass, ugly dry weeds, and trash. YUCK!

However, as I was talking with my kids the other day, I shared with them an important lesson that I have thought about a lot lately. The truth is that whether I like it or not, every step in the changing of the seasons is necessary.  We will never enjoy the colors, smells, sounds, and warmth of summer if we do not first have spring.  Although I wish I could skip the season I do not enjoy, it's just not possible.  The same is true in our lives.  Every stage in life has a purpose.  I find myself wanting to skip the lessons and circumstances that I do not enjoy.  Sometimes God uses our least favorite season to prepare us for the next season of our life.  It is at that point that we must look for the beauty in the season in which we find ourselves. 

So while I am currently in my least favorite season, I do absolutely LOVE getting more and more daylight.  It just "brightens my day" (pun intended {smile}).  

Daylight at 8:30 p.m.  is so enjoyable when just a few months earlier a blanket of darkness covered the city by 4:00 p.m.

The exciting part is that we continue to gain daylight each day.  So as I wait for all the joys of summer to arrive, I'll be thankful for the extra light that brightens my day.

What can you be thankful for even during an unpleasant season of life?

Fellowship Fridays

Let the SON Shine In!

We've recently come out of the winter darkness.  Each year the sun returns to Ilulissat, Greenland, on January 13th.  In order to see the sunrise on that day, one must climb a mountain, and many of the townspeople do.  Because of the mountains surrounding the town, we don't see the sun in town until several weeks later.  Each day the sun rises higher and higher until it peaks over the mountains and shines its glorious light on our town.  When the sun does peak over the mountains, it has a direct line right into my kitchen.  It's always a noteworthy moment the day I see the first ray of light shining through my window and gliding across my floor!  We know that is just the beginning of sunshine… and it will be several months before we need to face the winter darkness again!

"Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:" (Ecclesiastes 11:7)

As the sun hits the window glass, I immediately notice how dirty the window has become over the winter.  Dust, specks, dirt and who-knows-what-else have gone almost unnoticed.  Now, with the sun shining directly through my window, I see all the impurities that have gone unnoticed and untended.   

Each year as I stand there gazing at my dirty window, I can't help but compare that window to the heart.  What impurities, what little sins and wrongdoings have clouded the heart and have come to light when the Glorious Light is shining on them?  We slowly become spotted with the world over time without noticing it, but when we come face to face with the SonShine of God's Son, we see all our impurities.  We realize that we need a good cleansing, a good heart cleansing.  This is precisely what happened when we got saved - the glorious light of the Gospel shined on us, and we saw our sin and our need for the Saviour.  After we got saved, we didn't stop sinning, but hopefully we Sin less!  We no longer need to be saved from sin, but we do need to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.  Sometimes we go through a "winter" in our lives and let doubts, discouragement, depression, duties, etc… crowd out the Light, and we allow our hearts to become spotted with the things of the World.  However, once we let The Son shine through again, He shows us what we need to clean and which areas we need to "work on."  The more Light that shines through that previously dirt speckled window of our heart, the more Joy floods our soul.  Oh, what JOY, what complete and utter happiness arises when the SON shines in our hearts.  Open up the curtain of your Heart and Let the SON Shine IN!!! 

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this… and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27)

And let me tell you a little secret… when your heart is full of SONshine, it can't help but overflow and spread around.  Not only will the Son shine in your heart… He will shine THROUGH your Heart!

Open up the curtain of your Heart and Let the SON Shine IN!!! 

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Fellowship Fridays

The Good Part

38 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her".

As we read the account of Mary and Martha, it becomes very easy to criticize Martha.  There she was "cumbered about much serving" while Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus and "heard His word."  Martha was busy, too busy to take the time to sit and listen to Jesus, but she was not pursuing her selfish desires; she was "cumbered about much serving."  She was serving Jesus!  Everything she was doing was for the Lord!  She was busy, so busy, but her "busyness" was in the Lord's service.  Yet, Jesus rebuked her and said that Mary had "chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."  

Are we like Martha?  Are we caught up with much serving?  Are we so busy serving the Lord that we don't take the time to worship Him?  Are we so busy serving the Lord that we don't take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus?  As missionary wives, it is so easy to get caught up in much serving.  There is always something that needs done and usually no one else to do it!  This ministry and that program takes our time, so much so, that while we are busy serving the Lord perhaps we are neglecting worshiping the Lord.  

No matter how busy our lives may be as we work alongside our husbands on the field, let's always remember what is needful and choose that good part that cannot be taken away from us.  Let's take time to sit at the feet of Jesus and spend time in His Word.  

Fellowship Fridays - Today's Devotional

Today, I'm sharing a post written by Patty  This post was an encouragement to me as a missionary wife, and I hope it will be a blessing to you as well!

Faithful

It's raining outside, and all is quiet.

The kiddos are in bed, sleeping in the coolness that comes with slow, night-long rains.

My hubby sits beside me reading a book.

And I?

I stare at a screen and wonder.

I think about life and what it is I actually do.
Yes, I'm a missionary.
But what do I do on a daily basis that really makes a difference?


Today I helped my kiddos get ready for the day;
I changed dirty baby bedding, because I didn't get a clean diaper on littlest fast enough;
I dealt with a sisterly show of exuberance that ended in a split lip and blood everywhere;
I calmed my hubby down after he came home to find his files trashed all over the floor by the little one while mommy was cleaning up the blood;
I schooled my girls even though we are all quite ready for a bit of a break; 
I washed six loads of laundry as we actually had both water and electricity today;
I put up and took down all laundry as a storm came in an hour after it all got hung;
I cooked food;
The girls helped me make a treat for Daddy;
We worked on an Easter craft together;
I cleaned up the never-ending mess in the kitchen;
I scrubbed down the stove and the walls behind it and the floor under it as something wasn't smelling very pleasant.
In other words......I lived.


But did I?


Written out like that, it doesn't seem like much.
It certainly doesn't seem like enough to warrant the title of "missionary work."
Anybody could do what I'm doing, right?!?


I'm not famous.
I haven't written any books.
I don't have thousands of people who "follow" me. 
I don't have a house full of orphans.
I don't take care of AIDS patients.
Nobody really knows my name.
I don't think I wear the title Radical like so many are talking about nowadays.


But is any of that the goal?
Is it my goal?

The longer I think about it, the more I'm reminded of what my desire must be....

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

Was I faithful?
Was I faithful to be a missionary at home first?
Was I faithful to love my children?
Was I faithful to speak truth to my family?
Was I faithful to the duties that have been entrusted to me?
Was I faithful to my husband in loving and serving him?
Was I faithful to serve my loved ones with a happy heart?
Was I faithful to give my all and rest in His goodness and grace to work through my failures?


Written out like this?
Maybe it does sound like missionary work.
And maybe I am the only one who can do what I'm doing....
because I'm the one who's been called to this work.


And it doesn't matter if I'm famous.....if I'm faithful.
And I don't have to write a book....to be found faithful.
And I don't need thousands of people to "follow" me.....just those I'm supposed to lead.
And I don't have to take care of a house full of orphans....just those I've been entrusted with.
And I don't have to take care of AIDS patients.....just the dear ones God places in my path.
And no one needs to know my name.....if I'm just a faithful steward.
And maybe that's what being radical is all about......being found faithful to do all that is asked of me.


So I guess I've answered my own question with a question....
It is not, "Did I make a difference?".....
but,"Have I been faithful?"
And only God can help me answer that.

Fellowship Fridays

Hello, Ladies!  I know I've been MIA for the past few weeks.  I am trying to get into the swing of homeschooling four children with a busy toddler running around.  Our ministry here is also growing and expanding which means more time for people, less for online.

I'm making a quick trip to visit my Mother who is very ill.  I won't be back online here until the 22nd of this month, Lord willing.  I look forward to becoming more active on the blog again and sharing and learning from you all!

If there is anything you would like to share, anything the Lord has taught you on the mission field, lessons learned from your people, funny language bloopers, etc... anything, please send us an email!  We'd love to hear from you!

The Wonder of Wonders

It's Christmas!  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!  I love to hear the Christmas music... I'll hear a certain Christmas song and it transports me back to my childhood,  where I can see the dimly lit living room with the bright Christmas tree in the corner, I can feel the shag carpet beneath my feet, and I can smell the wonderful foods my mother is baking in the kitchen...  So many wonderful memories of years gone by can be brought to the fore-front of my mind just by a familiar Christmas song.  

Another song that always brings back wonderful memories and never fails to bring  tears to my eyes is "The Wonder of Wonders."  My mother would sing this song in church every Christmas.  I can remember her explaining this song to us children and hear her voice as she told the Christmas story.  Her voice would catch and tears would fill her eyes as she told us how the Lord became a child and dwelt among men.  I can just imagine Mary gazing into the precious little face of her newborn son, and the awe that she felt in holding God's Son.  I am still amazed that God loved this world enough to send His son, and He sent his son in the most helpless, vulnerable state... as a newborn baby.  How humbling for the Creator of the Universe to humble himself and become a man, a baby, so he could become The Sacrifice for our sins.  

The Wonder of it all... is that Christ Jesus loved us, loved me enough to become a baby, to live among men, to die and rise again so that everyone has the chance at eternal life in Heaven. 

And you know... when I really think about it... spending Christmas overseas away from friends and family seems like such a small, small price to pay for what Christ has already done for us!  The least we can do is share the Gospel so that everyone has the chance to receive The Greatest Gift!

THE WONDER OF WONDERS

THE WONDER OF WONDERS AS SHE LOOKED ON HIS FACE, 

THAT THIS LITTLE BOY SPOKE THE WORLDS INTO PLACE. 

THE STARS AND THE MOON SHINING BRIGHTLY ON THEM, 

THE EARTH AND THE SUN WERE CREATED BY HIM. 

*CHORUS*

THE WONDER OF WONDERS ,OH HOW COULD IT BE, 

THAT GOD BECAME FLESH AND WAS GIVIN FOR ME. 

THE ALMIGHTY CAME DOWN AND WALKED AMOUNG MEN, 

THE WONDER OF WONDERS, HE DIED FOR MY SINS. 

THE WONDER OF WONDERS AS SHE LOOKED DOWN AND SMILED, 

THAT HE WAS HER MAKER AS WELL AS HER CHILD. 

HE CREATED THE WOMB THAT HAD GIVIN HIM BIRTH. 

HE WAS GOD INCARNATE CAME DOWN TO EARTH. 

THE WONDER OF WONDERS AS SHE HEARD HIS SMALL CRY, 

THAT THIS VOICE HAD THUNDERED ON MT. SINAI. 

THE SMALL HAND SHE HELD SO TENDERLY HAD 

MADE A DRY PATH THROUGH THE MIGHTY RED SEA.

Christ Centered Christmas - Fellowship Fridays

Christmas

'Tis the Season!  It's Christmas, the Most Wonderful time of the Year!  How do YOU celebrate Christmas?  "...and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

I love this time of year.  I love seeing the joy on everyone's face, I love the excitement in the children's eyes... I love singing the Christmas songs, hearing the Christmas music throughout the house...  I love just about everything about Christmas!  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14)

I believe it's important to keep our thoughts centered on Christ at Christmas, it's so easy to get caught up in the flurry of shopping, the hustle and bustle that surrounds this day, but we need to stay focused on the CHRIST in Christmas!  What are some ways that you keep Christ the center of your Christmas?  "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

I've listed a few ways to share the JOY of Christmas with those around us.  Please feel free to add to this list.  Also, please add ways that you share Christ during Christmas in your country! 

Find a family in need, take gifts of food, clothing or other needed items.  

Visit your neighbors, share Christmas goodies, etc... with them. 

Visit a Hospital to spread some Christmas Cheer!

Invite people over, many are alone and missing family this time of year. 

GIVE!  Do what you can to help those in need. 

"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord the God which he hath given thee." (Deuteronomy 17:5) 

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

Fellowship Fridays - Thankfulness

To Americans around the world November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Though we should be thankful year round, it seems that our thoughts become more contemplative and thankful this time of year.  Please share some ways that you help make Thanksgiving special to your family in the country you are serving!

Fellowship Fridays - Thankfulness

30 Days of Thankfulness

This month I've decided to post something (on my blog) I'm thankful for... every day.  If you would like to join us here or on Facebook, please do!  Each day post one (or more) thing(s) you are thankful for.  If you post on your blog please come and link up here every Friday!

I am thankful most of all for salvation.  I am also thankful for the husband and children God has given me.  He's been so good to me.  

 

Fellowship Fridays - Deputation

Deputation

Packing

I questioned the missionary ladies on our Facebook group page about this subject and several of them gave some great tips for packing on deputation or furlough!  PLease feel free to leave any suggestion you may have in the comments below!

We, 3 women and 2 guys have found taking a brown skirt/ suit and a black skirt/ suit and pairing everything with them works well. We also make sure we travel with casual/town clothes because a person never knows what we will get into during the day. Comfy shoes and clothes are always a welcome.  (The Arctic of Canada)

I try to pack for no more than 5 days. When we were in the states on furlough I just began going to the good will stores if I found I needed something. And then I purchased extra and left clothes at our daughter's house for when we return. Hoping just to take a carry on. If one has kids I am sure that is rather difficult because they are always changing in sizes, but I also figured I would just have to wash more often. It gets very tiresome hauling around a lot of luggage. I also took an extra suitcase so if we wanted to bring some things back with us. It is all in how one can plan if there is family that has room to help like with us leaving things to wear behind so we don't have to pack too much it aughta work out great. This is the first time we are trying this but it sounds like it might have possibilities. (Guatemala)

 If you have a one night stay on the way to somewhere..pack a carry-on type suitcase with everyone's change of clothes..and one bag with toiletries..make sure these bags are easily accessible..it's easier to take out one or two bags instead of 10..and then needing to repack the whole van, if it's just a one night stay. One other thing I thought of..if possible, try not to pack your vehicle too tight when you leave to go on the road for a few weeks or months. A lot of churches/individuals will bless you by giving clothes..food..other misc. gifts and you will need some room to pack the extras that you pick up on the way. (India)

My family of 4 travelled in a VW Golf (small car) for the first part of deputation and later a Subaru Impreza (medium size car), so we didn't have a lot of room. I had one bag for all toiletry items and I had one small suitcase that contained pjs, undergarments, one set of clothing for each of us, etc, then when we stayed at a hotel we could just grab the toiletry bag and small suitcase. My kids each had one small suitcase and my husband and I shared a larger suitcase. The kids each had a small crate next to their seats, in it they kept their toys. We also carried clorox wipes and baby wipes. :) All our items for our display table were kept in another small suitcase, and we also had a large wooden display for our table. It was quite cramped, but we made such fond memories in those cars. (Australia)

That sounds like how we packed! And we STILL do the 'one night on the way' both of us in one small suitcase thing when back in the States. One other thing I do yet is roll up one set of socks, tshirt and underwear together so that it is easy to just grab one each a.m. to put on and a bag to fill up as we go for laundry. (Japan)

1. I normally take one black skirt, one white skirt, and one or two denim skirts and multiple shirts and accessories (enough for 5-6 days). 2. If you have room in your vehicle, it can be quite nice to have a hanging bar and put your dress clothes on that rather than folding then in a suitcase and then having to iron them all the time  (Vanuatu)

The longer we were on deputation the fewer bags we ended up taking. You can live without a lot of things when you need to. Our biggest thing was having a small bag for short trips and a larger bag for longer trips. I also prepared an overnight toiletry bag and an extended stay toiletry bag. Flying always messed up our routine because we would cram stuff in our van for extra things. I would only ask my husband how long the next trip would be and what climate. It's best if you can hang you're clothes up and just pick out what you need. There is no way around having a lot of stuff with kids. We usually bought diapers wherever we went to save on room. Somehow everything finds a place or gets taken out. We also had extra plastic bags for trash, then threw it away when we got to our destination. Kept the car so much cleaner. We also had a box just for snacks. My son still thinks your supposed to eat when you get in the car. It will also keep your husband awake! Enjoy the journey and do fun things along the way. (Japan)

Fellowship Fridays - Deputation Part II

Deputation Tips Part II

Staying Tips

Some enjoy it, some endure it.  Some love it, some hate it, but most missionaries do it!  It's called deputation.  Deputation is a time of visiting churches in order to present your call and burden while making churches aware of the need for the Gospel to your particular mission field.

Below are a few tips or suggestions for how to be a blessing at each place and church you stay!

Clorox Wipes - Portable, handy and quick.  You never quite know where you will be staying and sometimes the places (motels or otherwise) may need a little cleaning before you want your babies roaming free.  With these wipes you know you'll kill any germs before little hands come in contact with them.  Also, they are great for cleaning bathrooms, etc… before you leave. 

Allergies - Be up front about any allergies you may have.  Let the Pastor know ahead of time before he places you in a home with animals to which you may be allergic.

Baby Powder and many plastic bags for diapers - Not every home that houses missionaries has children.  In which cases they may not appreciate stinky diapers in their trash!  A handy trick I learned was to use baby powder (or baking soda) and plastic diaper bags (you can find these at dollar stores), place the diaper in the bag, give a few puffs of the baby powder an/or baking soda (kills the odor) and tie the bag shut.  Unless the family housing us had children OR specified what to do with the diapers, we would place them in our trash bag in the car and dispose of them later at a gas station.  Some families really don't mind if you throw diapers in their trash, but others don't appreciate the extra, smelly garbage.  It's best to err on the side of caution to prevent offending anyone.

Always make your bed - It's always a good testimony to leave your room neat and clean.  Also, when leaving a home it's always a good idea to strip the beds and leave the room in clean condition.  Ask for a vacuum cleaner, and dusting supplies.  Be a blessing to your hosts and try not to make too much extra work for them after you leave!

Leave the house as nice or nicer as when you arrived - Leave your room, Prophet's Chamber or Guest House in as good or better condition than when you found it.  If you have time before leaving wash the bedding and remake the beds, or fold bedding and put it away.  Remember to Be a Blessing!

If you break something replace it - One Prophet's Chamber we stayed in had a full length mirror leaning against the wall.  In the early morning as we were preparing to leave the mirror was bumped, fell over and broke into at least a hundred pieces!  Thankfully, it was the type that is easily found at Wal-Mart and was easy to replace.  If something doesn't work mention it to the Pastor.  You want to make sure he knows you didn't break it and you want to make him aware if something needs replaced, fixed, etc…

Hostess Gift - If you can leave a hostess gift, do so.  It's a way to show appreciation to the host family for opening their home and taking in complete strangers for the night or week!

Thank You Notes - I'm sure every missionary knows the ins and outs of writing thank you notes!  Always remember to send one to the family who hosted you as well as to the church.  Be sure to mention the ladies who cooked for the missionaries, the love gifts, etc...

Thanking Ladies for Meals - Many times the ladies cooking the food are over looked.  The food is delicious and they work hard, but because they are "behind the scenes" many times it's easy to forget to say a special "thank you" to them.  I know that they always appreciate the missionary taking the time to thank them personally for all the hard work they do.  

Help As You Can -  If you see something that needs done, go ahead and do it.  As a young girl I remember a missionary family that stayed in our Prophet's Chamber.  The day they were supposed to leave my parents and I stopped by to collect the bedding, towels, etc. from the room.  As we entered the parking lot we noticed their car was still there.  As we walked into the church we saw the whole family hard at work, vacuuming, dusting, etc. the whole church!  That made an impression on my parents and on me as a child. They said that was their way of saying "Thank You" for the place to stay… by cleaning the church building.

Be A Blessing - It's easy to become stressed and tired with all the traveling and packing, unpacking, staying in different places every night, etc… However, we need to remember that each church sees us that one time and the impression we leave with them is the one they remember!  Try to be a blessing at each place you are.  Remember, you are doing this for the Lord!  It can be awkward at times to stay with complete strangers.  Everyone's personality is different and you may "click" better with some people than with others.  People are People, some seem friendly, some seem rude. some seem shy and others are outgoing.  However, make the best of each situation and don't take anything personal!  

My siblings and I used to love to visit with missionaries and hear their stories over the dinner table.  You never know whose life you may affect with what you say and how you act!  Be a Blessing and I'm sure you will receive one in return!